Gov. Romney vetoed budget section 210, which says. “Section 4 of MGL chapter 71A is hereby further amended to add:— “Foreign language classes for children who already know English, 2-way bilingual programs for students in kindergarten through grade 12 and special education programs for physically or mentally impaired students shall be unaffected.” [MGL chapter 71A requires English-only classroom teaching. Section 210 would exempt “2-way classes” in which some students are native English speakers and some are non-native English speakers. A vote to override the Governor's veto would continue to allow that type of bilingual education although foreign-language classes without native English-speaking students would still be disallowed.]

The relevant part of the MassDems Platform is Part II: Education, Training, And Opportunity -- Excellence, Equality and Community: "We reaffirm our support for classroom programs, including Special and Bilingual Education"

Gov. Romney vetoed a budget line item (“Section 312”) which would impose a moratorium on additional charter schools, and additional enrollment at existing charter schools, and would suspend the five charters granted in 2004, pending additional study on the subject. The House vote was to override the governor's veto. A yes vote would override the veto and impose the moratorium. A no vote would sustain the veto and allow the next round of expansion of charter schools.

Relevant platform section: Full Funding: We call upon the state to change funding of Commonwealth Charter schools to ensure that funds are not drained from established public schools.

Any city or town shall be authorized to impose a local excise tax upon the sale of meals, of 1% of the total price thereof. The local excise tax imposed shall be paid by the vendor in the same manner as the excise tax due the commonwealth. All sums received shall at least quarterly be distributed, credited and paid by the state treasurer to each city or town. [Provides a new revenue source for cities and towns to pay for schools and other local services].

Relevant platform section: PART II: EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND OPPORTUNITY: Full Funding: "We believe education must be a top priority at all levels of government, and we reject policies that direct funds away from the children and the programs in our public schools to finance political promises of tax reductions or to other unrelated purposes. We support just and equitable funding mechanisms that provide for vibrant public schools in all communities."

Relevant section of platform: PART II: EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND OPPORTUNITY: Full Funding: "We call upon the state to change funding of Commonwealth Charter schools to ensure that funds are not drained from established public schools."